‘Explosive’… Sky Sports pundit left stunned by one Arsenal player’s pace vs Brighton today

Add as preferred source on Google

Jay Bothroyd raved about Bukayo Saka during Arsenal’s clash against Brighton today.

Arsenal were looking to get back to winning ways in the Premier League after a 1-0 defeat at Villa Park last week.

Mikel Arteta named an unchanged starting line-up from last week’s defeat, after making eight changes in Europe on Tuesday.

The Gunners have made a habit of enjoying fast starts at the Emirates Stadium and they dominated the early exchanges against Brighton today.

Arteta’s side were clearly targeting Brighton’s James Milner in the early stages of the game, with Bukayo Saka up against the Premier League legend.

At 37, Milner isn’t getting any younger but has proven to be a reliable performer for the Seagulls.

But Saka caused him huge problems during the opening moments of today’s clash at the Emirates.

Bothroyd stunned by Saka’s ‘explosive’ pace

Bothroyd was covering the game on Sky Sports News and singled out Saka for praise in the 10th minute.

“Arsenal have been on it since the start of the game, especially Saka,” the pundit said. “He looks so dangerous. He’s started off, he’s dribbling at Milner.

“Milner doesn’t know where he’s going. He’s one of them wingers who can come inside and go to the byline.

“He’s got to the byline a couple of times now. Brighton have made some very nervous clearances.”

”Milner doesn’t know which way to go with Saka at the moment,” Bothroyd added. “He’s so explosive.

“He’s just receiving the ball and he’s standing him up, then just knocking it. Because he’s so fast, Milner can’t react. He hasn’t got that explosion anymore.”

Arsenal went close on a couple of occasions in the first half and their best moments came through Saka.

The 22-year-old was set away by Martin Odegaard in the 34th minute and cut it back to Gabriel Martinelli, but the Brazilian couldn’t keep his effort down.

The Gunners were by far the better side in the first half as they managed 15 shots compared to Brighton not creating a single effort on goal. But Arteta’s side were left frustrated for long periods as they struggled to find the back of the net.

Gabriel Jesus finally found a breakthrough in the 53rd minute following an excellent delivery from a corner by Saka.

Kai Havertz sealed a crucial three points for Arsenal in the 87th minute and it’s fair to say that Arteta’s side deserved to get back to winning ways after a commanding display.